The book and publishing situation in Iran is miserable

With outrageous delays and the implementation of harsh rules for issuing proper permits for translating, promoting and distribution of books, publishers in Iran have begun to go bankrupt; many writers and translators with considerable backgrounds have also abandoned their craft.

Amir Ahmadi-Aryan, a renowned translator, told ILNA’s culture and academic reporter: "It has been approximately 10 months that the book "Ohaam" (The Book of Illusions) by Paul Auster which was slated to be published by Morvareed publications has been sent to the Ministry of Islamic guidance and culture for licensing and as so far we are unclear on the outcome. In a similar case, a book on the general theory of Marxism and Antonio Gramsci which contains a lengthy article from Tellus magazine about Gramsci’s political philosophy, was slated to be published by Gaam’eh No Publications and is going through the same uncertain process of licensing.”

Ahmadi-Aryan added that like others, the minister of Islamic Guidance and culture, has made promises and talks of things that never materialize.